About Foróige
Foróige works with young people, their families, communities and schools; identifying the needs of young people and providing Youth Work responses to meet those needs. Our work is about development, empowering young people to develop their own abilities and attributes, to think for themselves, to make things happen and to contribute to their communities. The Purpose of the organisation is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and the development of society.
The Purpose of the organisation is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and the development of society. The Foróige Philosophy creates immense possibilities for the growth and development of young people. They can positively influence how young people see themselves and how they respond to situations.
About the Project
Foróige has been awarded a contract by Cork City Council to deliver a 12-month pilot specialised outreach targeted Youth Work Programme under the "Cork After Dark" initiative.
Operating primarily during evening and late-night hours (6:00pm to 11:00pm) and on weekends, the team will engage directly with vulnerable, marginalised, or disengaged young people. The project is a newly developed outreach-led model, focusing on relationship building with young people, creating opportunities for engagement and facilitating young people’s participation in a suite of needs-led youth programmes around Cork city.
The Senior Youth Officer will strategically manage and lead the team. They will work closely with Foróige’s Cork City Youth Diversion Projects, local UBU services, An Garda Síochána, Cork City Council and other key partners.
Key Responsibilities
This role is designated as a Mandated Person under the Children First Act 2015. The employee agrees to adhere to all statutory mandated reporting requirements and Foróige's Child Safeguarding Statement, guidelines and policy.
The duties of the Senior Youth Officer shall be notified by the Board of Foróige and/or their nominee. The function is achieved through fulfilling the main duties outlined below:
● With the youth officer, delivery of the regular outreach work of the project.
● In conjunction with the Foróige Manager and other Youth Officers in the Project, be responsible for the design, organisation/coordination and implementation of educational and support programmes with the target group of young people in the area.
● Develop relationships with business owners, An Garda Síochána, Cork Council and other key city stakeholders enabling information flow between them and the project.
● Lead the development, delivery and monitoring of the programme which is aimed at enhancing the personal, social and educational development of the young people.
● Co-ordinate the day-to-day operation of the local office and the expenditure of the agreed programme budgets.
● Supervise and support a team of youth officers in the day-to-day implementation of their work programmes
● Report to the Foróige Manager.
● Attend meetings and prepare written reports as required for the Management/Advisory Committee and funders.
● Direct Street Work
● Coordination of the team and liaison with the Area Manager to ensure regular weekend (up to 11pm) and late evening work is carried out.
● Any such other relevant duties as the board of Foróige and/or the Chief Executive or the nominee of the Chief Executive shall deem necessary for the effective implementation of Foróige's policy and programmes.
Professional Qualification, Experience (D: Desirable, E: Essential)
● Education to Degree (NFǪ Level 7) standard preferably in the area of Youth Work or related disciplines (E) (candidates with exceptional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree qualification)
● Previous line management and supervision experience (D)
● Ability to work in an efficient manner and to lead and motivate others. (E)
● A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working with young people and families experiencing adversity in their lives and in planning interventions in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. (E)
● Paid or voluntary, experience working with young people in a youth work setting (E)
● An understanding of Youth Work and Community Work methodologies (D)
● Knowledge and experience of systems, processing and administration
● Access to a car and full driving licence. (E)
Person Specification (Essential)
● Commitment to the purpose of Foróige and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation
● Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with young people and others as required
● Ability to be proactive, use own initiative and work effectively within a pressurised environment
● Positive and flexible approach to working as part of a team
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills
● To act in a professional manner at all time
● Flexibility in relation to hours of work to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours and weekends will be required.
● Openness to life long learning, new opportunities and adaptive to change
Benefits to Support You
Salary: Foróige Senior Youth Officer Scale: €54,469, €56,496, €58,528, €60,556, €62,582, €64,606
The highest starting point for this role will be point 1 and will be dependent on experience.
Annual Leave: 29 days annual leave plus Good Friday.
EAP: 24/7 Employee Assistance.
Pension: Contributory pension benefits.
Training & Development: Structured onboarding together with a 9 day Foróige Induction Programme. Ongoing CPD.
Study Leave: Up to 5 days paid Study Leave per year of course.
Bike to Work Scheme
Commuter Travel Tax Saver Ticket
Organisation Culture: Support & Supervision policy and practices that supports your professional development.
Progression Opportunities
Career Break: Up to 2 years Career Break after 3 years’ service. Unpaid Leave: Up to 6 months Unpaid Leave Break 1 year service. Flexible Work: Flexible work practices that support work life balance.
Maternity and Paternity Benefit: Top up Maternity and Paternity Benefit pay.
Other Information
Hours of work: You will be expected to work a minimum of 35 hours per week. The position will require flexibility in relation to working hours. It is expected that you will work some late evenings/ nights per week (for full time this will be up to 3 late evenings) and some weekend work
Travel: This post will involve domestic travel within Ireland and occasional meetings. Travel and expenses will be paid in accordance with appropriate Foróige rates.
Applications:
Please complete the Foróige Application form online here